Darlene Rompel Herrin, lovingly known as “Dar,” was called to her heavenly home on Oct. 5, 2026.

She was born on Sept.

28, 1952, and lived most of her life in Kendalia, Texas at the family homestead.

Her favorite quote was “ Live, Laugh, Love”, and she truly did all three! She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known as “Granny Dar” by her grandchildren, she took great delight in spoiling them and always had a bowl full of chocolate and a snack ready for them. We always knew if we were out of something that we could shop at “Dar-Mart”, and she’d always have it on hand. Darlene’s life was not without its struggles, but she faced those challenges with strength and perseverance. Her family is incredibly proud of everything she overcame and everything she accomplished. She built a life she could be proud of, touched countless lives along the way, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the generations who loved her.

Darlene enjoyed sewing and sewed many Halloween costumes for Karen as she was growing up -- one year even sewing clown costumes for them both. She also enjoyed reading, watching movies, baking, traveling, playing games and shopping. All it took was a phone call from Betty and Clay Kuhn and she was packed up and ready to hit the casinos with them. The three of them spent many nights at the dinner table playing some very competitive games of dominoes. She enjoyed shopping and going to movies with her “B52” (Born in 1952) friends, Nancy Espenhover and Julie Pfeiffer. They shared many good times and laughter together.

Darlene had a love for country music. The Statler Brothers were her favorite, and she would not be happy if the Oak Ridge Boys beat them out of winning the Vocal Group of the Year! One of her bucket list items was to see the Grand Old Opry, which she did and thoroughly enjoyed. In her later years, Karen would pick her up and drive the back roads just so she could listen to her Statler Brothers, and she knew every word and sang along.

Darlene spent over 47 years working for Kendall County. Kendall County was more than a workplace to Darlene—it was her second home, and her coworkers were her extended family. She lovingly referred to the women in the office as “her girls,” and she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Saying “she knew everyone in the county” would hardly be an exaggeration. She started working in the District/ County Clerk’s office in February of 1975 with only a high school education. She learned the ins and outs of running the office from her mentor and close friend Shirley Stehling. When the county decided to separate the two offices, Darlene was sworn in by Judge William “Bill” Whitworth as County Clerk on January 1, 1982. She proudly served in that position until her retirement in December 2022. She was also never shy about reminding the county commissioners that she did not work for them—she worked for the voters of Kendall County. That determination, independence, and fierce commitment to doing things the right way were hallmarks of who she was.

Her greatest legacy is the beautiful family and friends she leaves behind, followed closely by her legendary German chocolate cake!

A special thank you to Linda Quick and her daughter, Katie, of Hill Country Assisted Living. The care, love, and compassion they showed Darlene during her final years is beyond measure and we are forever grateful!

Darlene is survived by her daughter Karen and husband, Darrell West; grandson Benjamin Buckelew and wife, Taylor, and their children, Reed, and Silas; granddaughter Abbey and husband, Christopher Moreno and their children, Owen and Cassidy. She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Herrin, and in-laws, Lois, and “Buster” Herrin.

Arrangements are pending at this time. Services entrusted to Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www. ebensberger-fisher.com.